Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Based on 7 of 9 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Spirulina Plus 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Indiana Botanic Gardens

Tablet Or Pill Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Spirulina Plus 500 mg is a dietary supplement by Indiana Botanic Gardens with 9 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for iron-deficiency anemia, low iron stores during pregnancy, fatigue from iron deficiency.Based on those ingredients, 837 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Vitamin A, Spirulina, Selenium. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Spirulina Plus 500 mg by Indiana Botanic Gardens

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 8 of its 8 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Spirulina Plus contains 8 active ingredients. Iron supports blood health and prevents anemia-related conditions.

Vitamins A and B12 support vision, energy, and red blood cell function. Vitamin K plays a role in blood clotting and bone health.

Calcium strengthens bones and supports muscle and nerve function. Selenium acts as an antioxidant and supports immune health.

Spirulina, a blue-green algae, is included for its nutrient density. The tablet also contains inactive ingredients—croscarmellose sodium, stearic acid, aqueous film coating, magnesium stearate, and silicon dioxide—which are fillers, binders, and coating materials that help form and preserve the tablet.

Does it work?

Strong evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Strong

Clinical evidence supports at least one of this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Blood builder.
  • We looked for evidence on: Anemia of chronic disease, Fatigue from iron deficiency, Heavy menstrual blood loss.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Iron is rated "Effective" for Anemia of chronic disease (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Iron is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Fatigue.
  • Also on file: Vitamin B12 is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Fatigue.

Iron is effective for treating iron deficiency anemia and anemia of chronic disease, and shows promise for heart failure support. Vitamin A is effective for vitamin A deficiency and shows possible benefit for oral leukoplakia, aging skin, measles, ulcerative colitis, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Vitamin B12 is effective for vitamin B12 deficiency and Imerslund-Grasbeck disease, and likely effective for cyanide poisoning. Vitamin K is effective for several clotting disorders and shows possible benefit for osteoporosis.

Calcium is effective for bone and kidney health and likely effective for osteoporosis. Selenium is likely effective for selenium deficiency and shows possible benefit for Kashin-Beck disease and pre-eclampsia, though it appears ineffective for dyslipidemia.

For spirulina, the evidence we hold is incomplete—it shows possible benefit for high blood pressure but insufficient evidence for acne, allergic rhinitis, iron deficiency anemia, and arsenic poisoning.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Iron Vitamin A Vitamin B12 Vitamin K Calcium Selenium Blue-green Algae

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 7 of the 7 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 7 of 7.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 7 of 7.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

When taken at recommended doses, iron, vitamin B12, vitamin K, and calcium are generally well tolerated. Iron's most common side effects are abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, and nausea; rarely, it can cause gastric ulcers or hemochromatosis with chronic overuse.

Vitamin A at high doses can cause serious liver damage, pseudotumor cerebri (swelling of the brain), and birth defects; high doses can be toxic because the body stores it. Vitamin B12 is very safe with no upper limit and rarely causes allergic reactions.

Vitamin K commonly causes mild gastrointestinal upset (nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain). Calcium at high doses may increase kidney stone risk and possibly affect heart and prostate health; common side effects are constipation and gas.

Selenium is safe within recommended amounts but excess can cause hair loss, nail changes, and neurological problems. Spirulina quality varies—some products are contaminated with toxins or heavy metals—and commonly causes bloating, nausea, diarrhea, and headache; rarely, it can trigger anaphylaxis in people with allergies to it.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Iron Vitamin A Vitamin B12 Vitamin K Calcium Selenium Blue-green Algae

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 7 of the 7 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Calcium, Iron, Blue-green Algae, Vitamin B12, Vitamin A, among others.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications; heart-rhythm medications; lithium; Parkinson's medications.
  • For scale: 838 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check with your pharmacist before taking this product if you use retinoid drugs (acne or psoriasis), warfarin or other blood thinners, dolutegravir or elvitegravir for HIV, levothyroxine for thyroid disease, levodopa for Parkinson's, quinolone or tetracycline antibiotics, bisphosphonates for bones, or immunosuppressants. These represent the most serious interactions (Major severity) and the most common affected drug types (Moderate severity).

No interactions are documented in our data for phosphorus, one of the ingredients in this product.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with clinical evidence supporting its stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This multisupplement may appeal to people with iron deficiency, vitamin deficiencies, or those seeking bone and antioxidant support. If you take any prescription medications—especially blood thinners, antibiotics, thyroid drugs, HIV medications, or immunosuppressants—check your exact medications with the tool on this page before starting.

Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about timing; many of these interactions can be managed by spacing doses apart.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 7 of 8 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Dec 22, 2017.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Spirulina Plus 500 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Indiana Botanic Gardens
Barcode (UPC) 703308030167
Net contents 120 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 22, 2017
DSLD ID 77448
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Spirulina Plus 500 mg by Indiana Botanic Gardens, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
703308030167
IngredientAmount% DV
Iron1 mg6%
Vitamin A1600 IU32%
Vitamin B122 mcg33%
Protein1 Gram(s)1%
Vitamin K20 mcg25%
Calcium36 mg4%
Selenium1 mcg1%
Phosphorus30 mg3%
Spirulina1 Gram(s)--

Other ingredients: Croscarmellose Sodium, Stearic Acid, Aqueous Film Coating, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General Statements

Blood builder

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: Take 2 tablets twice daily, preferably with meals, as a dietary supplement, or as directed by a physician.

Precautions

Warning: Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6. Keep this product out of reach of children. In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or poison control center immediately.

Not intended for use by pregnant or nursing women. If you are taking medications, planning any medical procedure or have any medical condition, consult your doctor before use.

Discontinue use and consult your doctor if any adverse reactions occur.

For your protection, this container has an outer safety seal. (Do not accept if missing or broken.)

Keep out of reach of children

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Storage

Store in a dry, cool place.

Brand IP Statement(s)

IBG Indiana Botanic Gardens

General

C-104186

See for yourself

Spirulina Plus 500 mg by Indiana Botanic Gardens label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Spirulina Plus 500 mg by Indiana Botanic Gardens

These are the 9 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Iron

Interacts with
80 drugs
1 mg per serving

Iron is an essential mineral your body needs to make hemoglobin and carry oxygen in the blood. Supplements are mainly useful for treating or preventin...

Iron monograph & interactions

Vitamin A

Interacts with
387 drugs
1600 IU per serving Form: Beta-Carotene

Vitamin A is an essential nutrient important for vision, skin, immune function, and growth. Most people get enough from a balanced diet, and supplemen...

Vitamin A monograph & interactions

Vitamin B12

Interacts with
20 drugs
2 mcg per serving

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is an essential nutrient your body needs to make red blood cells, keep nerves healthy, and support DNA. Supplements are very h...

Vitamin B12 monograph & interactions

Protein

1 Gram(s) per serving

Vitamin K

Interacts with
2 drugs
20 mcg per serving

Vitamin K is an essential nutrient your body needs for normal blood clotting and to support healthy bones. Most people get enough from food, but suppl...

Vitamin K monograph & interactions

Calcium

Interacts with
168 drugs
36 mg per serving Form: Dicalcium Phosphate

Calcium is an essential mineral your body needs for strong bones, nerve signaling, and muscle function, and supplements can help fill gaps when diet f...

Calcium monograph & interactions

Selenium

Interacts with
321 drugs
1 mcg per serving

Selenium is an essential trace mineral your body needs in small amounts for thyroid function, antioxidant defense, and immune health. Most people who...

Selenium monograph & interactions

Phosphorus

30 mg per serving Form: Dicalcium Phosphate

Spirulina

Interacts with
327 drugs
1 Gram(s) per serving

Blue-green algae are nutrient-rich aquatic microorganisms (such as spirulina and Klamath Lake algae) taken as a supplement for energy, nutrition, and...

Spirulina monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Croscarmellose Sodium, Stearic Acid, Aqueous Film Coating, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Spirulina Plus 500 mg by Indiana Botanic Gardens Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Spirulina Plus 500 mg?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
837Drugs
18 Major 792 Moderate 27 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Vitamin A 387
Spirulina 327
Selenium 321
Calcium 168
Iron 80

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Spirulina Plus 500 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Vitamin A4 drug types · 387 drugs

Retinoids

Concomitant use of retinoids with vitamin A supplements might produce supratherapeutic vitamin A levels.
Retinoids, which are vitamin A derivatives, could have additive toxic effects when taken with vitamin A supplements.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, taking high doses of vitamin A in combination with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver disease.
The tolerable upper intake level (UL) is the highest level of intake that is likely to pose no risk of adverse effects. Doses of vitamin A above the UL can cause hepatotoxicity, ranging from elevated liver enzymes to liver failure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence C
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Theoretically, taking tetracycline antibiotics with high doses of vitamin A can increase the risk of pseudotumor cerebri.
Benign intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri) can occur with tetracyclines and with acute or chronic vitamin A toxicity. Case reports suggest that taking tetracyclines and vitamin A concurrently can increase the risk of this condition. Avoid high doses of vitamin A in people taking tetracyclines chronically.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, high doses of vitamin A could increase the risk of bleeding with warfarin.
Vitamin A toxicity is associated with hemorrhage and hypoprothrombinemia, possibly due to vitamin K antagonism. Advise patients taking warfarin to avoid doses of vitamin A above the tolerable upper intake level of 10,000 IU/day for adults.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Spirulina3 drug types · 327 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, spirulina blue-green algae might increase the risk of bleeding if used with other anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs. However, this is unlikely.
Spirulina blue-green algae have shown antiplatelet and anticoagulant effects in vitro. However, one preliminary study in 24 patients receiving spirulina blue-green algae 2.3 grams daily for 2 weeks showed no effect on platelet activation or measures of clotting time.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking blue-green algae with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Human research shows that spirulina blue-green algae can have hypoglycemic effects in patients with diabetes, at least some of whom were using antidiabetes drugs. However, blue-green algae does not seem to improve glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in patients with diabetes. A meta-analysis of animal studies also suggests that spirulina blue-green algae have hypoglycemic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, concurrent use of blue-green algae might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Blue-green algae have been shown to stimulate the immune system.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Selenium6 drug types · 321 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Selenium may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Clinical research suggests that taking selenium 10 mcg/kg/day can increase bleeding times by increasing prostacyclin production, which inhibits platelet activity. Other clinical research suggests that taking selenium 75 mcg daily, in combination with ascorbic acid 600 mg, alpha-tocopherol 300 mg, and beta-carotene 27 mg, reduces platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Barbiturates

Theoretically, selenium might prolong the sedating effects of barbiturates.
Laboratory research suggests that selenium can inhibit the hepatic metabolism of barbiturates. Selenium seems to prolong the sedative effect of pentobarbital in animal models.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, selenium supplementation may reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppressant therapy.
In vitro research and preliminary clinical evidence suggests that selenium may stimulate the immune system.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, selenium might interfere with warfarin activity.
Animal research suggests that selenium can increase warfarin activity. Selenium might interact with warfarin by displacing it from albumin binding sites, reducing its metabolism in the liver, or by decreasing production of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. Selenium can also prolong bleeding times in humans by increasing prostacyclin production, which inhibits platelet activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Contraceptive Drugs

Contraceptive drugs might increase levels of selenium, although the clinical significance of this effect is unclear.
Some research suggests that oral contraceptives increase serum selenium levels in women taking oral contraceptives; however, other research shows no change in selenium levels. It is suggested that an increase could be due to increased carrier proteins, indicating a redistribution of selenium rather than a change in total body selenium.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Niacin

Selenium might reduce the beneficial effects of niacin on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels.
A combination of niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) effectively raises HDL cholesterol levels in patients with coronary disease and low HDL levels. Clinical research shows that taking a combination of antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and selenium) along with niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) attenuates this rise in HDL, specifically the HDL-2 and apolipoprotein A1 fractions, by more than 50% in patients with coronary disease. It is not known whether this adverse effect is due to a single antioxidant such as selenium, or to the combination. It also is not known whether it will occur in other patient populations.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A

Calcium18 drug types · 168 drugs

Ceftriaxone (Rocephin)

Co-administration of intravenous calcium and ceftriaxone can result in precipitation of a ceftriaxone-calcium salt in the lungs and kidneys.
Avoid administering intravenous calcium in any form, such as parenteral nutrition or Lactated Ringers, within 48 hours of intravenous ceftriaxone. Case reports in neonates show that administering intravenous ceftriaxone and calcium can result in precipitation of a ceftriaxone-calcium salt in the lungs and kidneys. In several cases, neonates have died as a result of this interaction. So far there are no reports in adults; however, there is still concern that this interaction might occur in adults.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Dolutegravir (Tivicay)

Calcium seems to reduce levels of dolutegravir.
Advise patients to take dolutegravir either 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking calcium supplements. Pharmacokinetic research suggests that taking calcium carbonate 1200 mg concomitantly with dolutegravir 50 mg reduces plasma levels of dolutegravir by almost 40%. Calcium appears to decrease levels of dolutegravir through chelation.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Elvitegravir (Vitekta)

Calcium seems to reduce levels of elvitegravir.
Advise patients to take elvitegravir either 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking calcium supplements. Pharmacokinetic research suggests that taking calcium along with elvitegravir can reduce blood levels of elvitegravir through chelation.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Aluminum

Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity. Other types of calcium do not increase aluminum absorption.
Calcium citrate can increase the absorption of aluminum when taken with aluminum hydroxide. The increase in aluminum levels may become toxic, particularly in individuals with kidney disease. However, the effect of calcium citrate on aluminum absorption is due to the citrate anion rather than calcium cation. Calcium acetate does not appear to increase aluminum absorption.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (Biktarvy)

Calcium might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption when taken in a fasting state.
Advise patients that bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide and calcium can be taken together if taken with food. However, if taken on an empty stomach, bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide should not be taken with, or 2 hours after, calcium containing products.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Bisphosphonates

Calcium reduces the absorption of bisphosphonates.
Advise patients to take bisphosphonates at least 30 minutes before calcium, but preferably at a different time of day. Calcium supplements decrease absorption of bisphosphonates.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Calcipotriene (Dovonex)

Taking calcipotriene with calcium might increase the risk for hypercalcemia.
Calcipotriene is a vitamin D analog used topically for psoriasis. It can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to cause systemic effects, including hypercalcemia. Theoretically, combining calcipotriene with calcium supplements might increase the risk of hypercalcemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Using intravenous calcium with digoxin might increase the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
Hypercalcemia increases the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias with digoxin. However, one retrospective analysis of clinical data suggests that intravenous calcium does not increase the risk of dysrhythmias or mortality in patients receiving digoxin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Diltiazem (Cardizem, Others)

Theoretically, calcium may reduce the therapeutic effects of diltiazem.
Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Theoretically, calcium might increase this risk of hypercalcemia and reduce the effectiveness of diltiazem.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption and effectiveness of levothyroxine.
Advise patients to take levothyroxine and calcium supplements at least 4 hours apart. Calcium reduces levothyroxine absorption, probably by forming insoluble complexes. Calcium carbonate supplements reduce effectiveness of levothyroxine in patients with hypothyroidism.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Lithium

Theoretically, concomitant use of calcium and lithium may increase this risk of hypercalcemia.
Clinical research suggests that long-term use of lithium may cause hypercalcemia in 10% to 60% of patients. Theoretically, concomitant use of lithium and calcium supplements may further increase this risk.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Quinolone Antibiotics

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of quinolone antibiotics.
Advise patients to take oral quinolones at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after calcium supplements or calcium-fortified foods. Taking calcium at the same time as oral quinolones can reduce quinolone absorption. Calcium binds to quinolones in the gut.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Raltegravir (Isentress)

Calcium may reduce levels of raltegravir.
Pharmacokinetic research shows that taking a single dose of calcium carbonate 3000 mg along with raltegravir 400 mg twice daily modestly decreases the mean area under the curve of raltegravir, but the decrease does not necessitate a dose adjustment of raltegravir. However, a case of elevated HIV-1 RNA levels and documented resistance to raltegravir has been reported for a patient taking calcium carbonate 1 gram three times daily plus vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) 400 IU three times daily in combination with raltegravir 400 mg twice daily for 11 months. It is thought that calcium reduced raltegravir levels by chelation, leading to treatment failure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Sotalol (Betapace)

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of sotalol.
Advise patients to separate doses by at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after calcium. Calcium appears to reduce the absorption of sotalol, probably by forming insoluble complexes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics.
Advise patients to take oral tetracyclines at least 2 hours before, or 4-6 hours after calcium supplements. Taking calcium at the same time as oral tetracyclines can reduce tetracycline absorption. Calcium binds to tetracyclines in the gut.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Thiazide Diuretics

Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Thiazides reduce calcium excretion by the kidneys. Using thiazides along with moderately large amounts of calcium carbonate increases the risk of milk-alkali syndrome (hypercalcemia, metabolic alkalosis, renal failure). Patients may need to have their serum calcium levels and/or parathyroid function monitored regularly.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Verapamil (Calan, Others)

Theoretically, calcium may reduce the therapeutic effects of verapamil.
Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Theoretically, use of calcium supplements may increase this risk of hypercalcemia and reduce the effectiveness of verapamil.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Calcium Channel Blockers

Intravenous calcium may decrease the effects of calcium channel blockers; oral calcium is unlikely to have this effect.
Intravenous calcium is used to decrease the effects of calcium channel blockers in the management of overdose. Intravenous calcium gluconate has been used before intravenous verapamil (Isoptin) to prevent or reduce the hypotensive effects without affecting the antiarrhythmic effects. But there is no evidence that dietary or supplemental calcium when taken orally interacts with calcium channel blockers.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D

Iron13 drug types · 80 drugs

Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (Biktarvy)

Iron might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption when taken in a fasting state.
Advise patients that bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide and iron can be taken together if taken with food. However, if taken on an empty stomach, bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide should not be taken with, or 2 hours after, iron containing products.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Bisphosphonates

Iron reduces the absorption of bisphosphonates.
Advise patients that doses of bisphosphonates should be separated by at least two hours from doses of all other medications, including supplements such as iron. Divalent cations, including iron, can decrease absorption of bisphosphonates by forming insoluble complexes in the gastrointestinal tract.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Denosumab (Prolia, Others)

Administration of intravenous iron within one month of denosumab administration might increase the risk of severe hypophosphatemia and hypocalcemia.
A case of severe hypocalcemia (albumin corrected calcium 6.88 mg/dL, ionized calcium 3.68 mg/dL) and hypophosphatemia (<0.5 mg/dL) with respiratory acidosis, QT interval prolongation, and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia was reported in a 76-year-old male who had received an iron polymaltose infusion within 2 weeks of a subcutaneous injection of denosumab. Serum parathyroid hormone was also elevated (348 pg/mL). Subsequent iron infusions with iron polymaltose and ferric carboxymaltose were followed by transient hypophosphatemia, but without hypocalcemia. Additionally, a literature review describes 6 additional cases of hypophosphatemia and hypocalcemia in patients 52-92 years of age who had been administered intravenous iron as either ferric carboxymaltose or iron polymaltose and subcutaneous denosumab within 1-4 weeks of each other.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Dolutegravir (Tivicay)

Iron might decrease dolutegravir levels by reducing its absorption.
Advise patients to take dolutegravir at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking iron. Pharmacokinetic research shows that iron can decrease the absorption of dolutegravir from the gastrointestinal tract through chelation. When taken under fasting conditions, a single dose of ferrous fumarate 324 mg orally along with dolutegravir 50 mg reduces overall exposure to dolutegravir by 54%.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Integrase Inhibitors

Theoretically, taking iron along with integrase inhibitors might decrease the levels and clinical effects of these drugs.
Iron is a divalent cation. There is concern that iron may decrease the absorption of integrase inhibitors from the gastrointestinal tract through chelation. One pharmacokinetic study shows that iron can decrease blood levels of the specific integrase inhibitor dolutegravir through chelation. Also, other pharmacokinetic research shows that other divalent cations such as calcium can decrease the absorption and levels of some integrase inhibitors through chelation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Levodopa

Iron might decrease levodopa levels by reducing its absorption.
Advise patients to separate doses of levodopa and iron as much as possible. There is some evidence in healthy people that iron forms chelates with levodopa, reducing the amount of levodopa absorbed by around 50%. The clinical significance of this hasn't been determined.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)

Iron might decrease levothyroxine levels by reducing its absorption.
Advise patients to separate levothyroxine and iron doses by at least 2 hours. Iron can decrease the absorption and efficacy of levothyroxine by forming insoluble complexes in the gastrointestinal tract.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Methyldopa (Aldomet)

Iron might decrease methyldopa levels by reducing its absorption.
Advise patients to separate methyldopa and iron doses by at least 2 hours. Iron can decrease the absorption of methyldopa from the gastrointestinal tract through chelation, resulting in increases in blood pressure.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Mycophenolate Mofetil (Cellcept)

Theoretically, iron might decrease mycophenolate mofetil levels by reducing its absorption.
Advise patients to take iron 4-6 hours before, or 2 hours after, mycophenolate mofetil. It has been suggested that a decrease of absorption is possible, probably by forming nonabsorbable chelates. However, mycophenolate pharmacokinetics are not affected by iron supplementation in available clinical research.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen)

Iron might decrease penicillamine levels by reducing its absorption.
Advise patients to separate penicillamine and iron doses by at least 2 hours. Oral iron supplements can reduce absorption of penicillamine by 30% to 70%, probably due to chelate formation. In people with Wilson's disease, this interaction has led to reduced efficacy of penicillamine.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Quinolone Antibiotics

Iron might decrease levels of quinolone antibiotics by reducing their absorption.
Advise patients to separate quinolone antibiotics and iron doses by at least 2 hours. Iron decreases the absorption of quinolones due to formation of insoluble complexes in the gastrointestinal tract.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Iron might decrease levels of tetracycline antibiotics by reducing their absorption.
Advise patients to take iron at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after tetracycline antibiotics. Concomitant use can decrease absorption of tetracycline antibiotics from the gastrointestinal tract by 50% to 90%.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Chloramphenicol

Theoretically, taking chloramphenicol with iron might reduce the response to iron therapy in iron deficiency anemia.
Chloramphenicol interferes with erythrocyte maturation. However, since chloramphenicol isn't usually taken for prolonged periods, this isn't likely to be clinically significant.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D

Vitamin B121 drug type · 20 drugs

Metformin (Glucophage)

Metformin, a common medication used to manage type 2 diabetes, has been associated with lower vitamin B12 levels in some individuals. Prolonged use of metformin can interfere with the absorption of B12 in the digestive system, potentially leading to a deficiency in this essential vitamin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A

Vitamin K1 drug type · 2 drugs

Warfarin (Coumadin)

Vitamin K can antagonize and reverse the therapeutic effects of warfarin.
Vitamin K antagonizes the effects of warfarin. Excessive vitamin K intake, either from supplements or from changes in the diet, can reduce the anticoagulant effect of warfarin.

Likelihood Likely Evidence C
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Spirulina Plus 500 mg, from the product label.

Indiana Botanic Gardens

See all Indiana Botanic Gardens products
Name
Indiana Botanic Gardens, Inc.
City
Hobart
State
IN
ZipCode
46342
Phone Number
1-800-644-8327
Web Address
www.botanicchoice.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Spirulina Plus 500 mg by Indiana Botanic Gardens: Common Questions

Does Spirulina Plus 500 mg by Indiana Botanic Gardens interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Spirulina Plus 500 mg has a known interaction with 837 medications, including 18 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Spirulina Plus 500 mg contains 9 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Is this product safe to take during pregnancy?
Iron is considered likely safe in pregnancy and is often recommended—your prenatal care provider should guide the dose. Vitamin A at normal amounts is safe, but high doses (especially as retinol) can cause birth defects and should be avoided. Calcium and vitamin K are likely safe at recommended amounts. Vitamin B12 and selenium have no pregnancy safety ratings on file, so ask your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice. Spirulina has no pregnancy data on file either, so check with your provider.
What's the most common side effect I might notice?
Iron often causes stomach upset—abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, or nausea—especially at higher doses. Calcium and vitamin K can also cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort like gas or diarrhea. Spirulina may cause bloating, nausea, or headache. Taking the supplement with food sometimes helps reduce stomach irritation.
Can I take this if I'm on warfarin (Coumadin)?
No, not without your doctor's approval. The vitamin K in this product directly interferes with warfarin's blood-thinning effect and can reverse its protective action against clots. Calcium and other ingredients also interact with warfarin in different ways. You must talk to your prescriber before using any supplement with warfarin.
Why does the spirulina have to be quality-checked?
Spirulina is a blue-green algae grown in water, and not all products are manufactured under strict controls. Some batches can be contaminated with toxins or heavy metals, which is a safety concern. Look for products tested by a third party and store them properly to minimize any contamination risk.
Is vitamin B12 actually effective in a tablet form?
Yes. Vitamin B12 in tablet form is effective for treating vitamin B12 deficiency and Imerslund-Grasbeck disease, and it's likely effective for cyanide poisoning. Oral B12 is well tolerated and very safe, with no upper limit because your body excretes excess amounts in urine.
Will the iron in this product interfere with my antibiotics?
It may. Iron reduces absorption of quinolone and tetracycline antibiotics by 50% to 90%, which could make them less effective. If your doctor prescribes one of these antibiotics, take it at least 2 hours before iron or 4 hours after (depending on the type). Your pharmacist can help you space the doses correctly.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Spirulina Plus 500 mg is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Spirulina Plus 500 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Spirulina Plus 500 mg’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Iron

Interacts with 80 drugs

Iron is an essential mineral your body needs to make hemoglobin and carry oxygen in the blood. Supplements are mainly useful for treating or preventing iron deficiency and iron-deficiency an...

Read the full Iron monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Vitamin A

Interacts with 387 drugs

Vitamin A is an essential nutrient important for vision, skin, immune function, and growth. Most people get enough from a balanced diet, and supplements are mainly useful for correcting a tr...

Read the full Vitamin A monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Vitamin B12

Interacts with 20 drugs

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is an essential nutrient your body needs to make red blood cells, keep nerves healthy, and support DNA. Supplements are very helpful for people who are deficient — su...

Read the full Vitamin B12 monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Vitamin K

Interacts with 2 drugs

Vitamin K is an essential nutrient your body needs for normal blood clotting and to support healthy bones. Most people get enough from food, but supplements are sometimes used for deficiency...

Read the full Vitamin K monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Calcium

Interacts with 168 drugs

Calcium is an essential mineral your body needs for strong bones, nerve signaling, and muscle function, and supplements can help fill gaps when diet falls short. Most people do best getting...

Read the full Calcium monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Selenium

Interacts with 321 drugs

Selenium is an essential trace mineral your body needs in small amounts for thyroid function, antioxidant defense, and immune health. Most people who eat a varied diet get enough, and supple...

Read the full Selenium monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Blue-green Algae

Interacts with 327 drugs

Blue-green algae are nutrient-rich aquatic microorganisms (such as spirulina and Klamath Lake algae) taken as a supplement for energy, nutrition, and general wellness. Evidence for most heal...

Read the full Blue-green Algae monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Spirulina Plus 500 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 264 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Iron 72 references
  1. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
  2. Bruner AB, Joffe A, Duggan AK, et al. Randomized study of cognitive effects of iron supplementation in non- anaemic iron-deficient adolescent girls. Lancet 1996;348:992-6.
  3. Ullen H, Augustsson K, Gustavsson C, Steineck G. Supplementary iron intake and risk of cancer: reversed causality? Cancer Lett 1997;114:215-6.
  4. Reunanen A, Takkunen H, Knekt P, et al. Body iron stores, dietary iron intake and coronary heart disease mortality. J Intern Med 1995;238:223-30. PubMed
  5. Lund EK, Wharf SG, Fairweather-Tait SJ, Johnson IT. Oral ferrous sulfate supplements increase the free radical-generating capacity of feces from healthy volunteers. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;69:250-5.
  6. Rehman A, Collis CS, Yang M, et al. The effects of iron and vitamin C co-supplementation on oxidative damage to DNA in healthy volunteers. Biochem Biophys Res Comm 1998;246:293-8. PubMed
  7. Klipstein-Grobusch K, Grobbee DE, den Breeijen JH, et al. Dietary iron and risk of myocardial infarction in the Rotterdam Study. Am J Epidemiol 1999;149:421-8. PubMed
  8. Hansten PD, Horn JR. Drug Interactions Analysis and Management. Vancouver, WA: Applied Therapeutics Inc., 1997 and updates.
  9. Tatro DS, ed. Drug Interactions Facts. Facts and Comparisons Inc., St. Louis, MO. 1999.
  10. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2002.
  11. Campbell N, Paddock V, Sundaram R. Alteration of methyldopa absorption, metabolism, and blood pressure control by ferrous sulfate and ferrous gluconate. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1988;43:381-6..
  12. Schumann K, Borch-Iohnsen B, Hentze MW, Marx JJ. Tolerable upper intakes for dietary iron set by the US Food and Nutrition Board (commentary). Am J Clin Nutr 2002;76:499-500. PubMed
  13. Tuomainen TP, Punnonen K, Nyyssonen K, Salonen JT. Association between body iron stores and the risk of acute myocardial infarction in men. Circulation 1998;97:1461-6.. PubMed
  14. Salonen JT, Nyyssonen K, Korpela H, et al. High stored iron levels are associated with excess risk of myocardial infarction in Eastern Finnish men. Circulation 1992;86:803-11.. PubMed
  15. Campbell NRC, Hasinoff B. Ferrous sulfate reduces levodopa bioavailability: Chelation as a possible mechanism. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1989;45:220-5.. PubMed
  16. Campbell NRC, Hasinoff BB, Stalts H, et al. Ferrous sulfate reduces thyroxine efficacy in patients with hypothyroidism. Ann Int Med 1992;117:1010-3.. PubMed
  17. Kiechl S, Willeit J, Egger G, et al. Body iron stores and the risk of carotid atherosclerosis: prospective results from the Bruneck study. Circulation 1997;96:3300-07. PubMed
  18. Comparison of oral iron supplements. Pharmacist's Letter / Prescriber's Letter 2008;24(8):240811.
  19. Tran T., Wax J. R., Philput C., Steinfeld J. D., Ingardia C. J. Intentional iron overdose in pregnancy--management and outcome. J Emerg Med 2000;18(2):225-228. PubMed
  20. Toblli J. E., Brignoli, R. Iron(III)-hydroxide polymaltose complex in iron deficiency anemia / review and meta-analysis. Arzneimittelforschung 2007;57(6A):431-438. PubMed
  21. Köpcke W., Sauerland M. C. Meta-analysis of efficacy and tolerability data on iron proteinsuccinylate in patients with iron deficiency anemia of different severity. Arzneimittelforschung 1995;45(11):1211-1216.
  22. Campbell N. R., Campbell R. R., Hasinoff B. B. Ferrous sulfate reduces methyldopa absorption: methyldopa: iron complex formation as a likely mechanism. Clin Invest Med 1990;13(6):329-332.
  23. Morii M., Ueno K., Ogawa A., Kato R., Yoshimura H., Wada K., Hashimoto H., Takada M., Tanaka K., Nakatani T., Shibakawa M. Impairment of mycophenolate mofetil absorption by iron ion. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2000;68(6):613-616. PubMed
  24. Gelone D. K., Park J. M., Lake K. D. Lack of an effect of oral iron administration on mycophenolic acid pharmacokinetics in stable renal transplant recipients. Pharmacotherapy 2007;27(9):1272-1278. PubMed
  25. Ducray P. S., Banken L., Gerber M., Boutouyrie B., Zandt H. Absence of an interaction between iron and mycophenolate mofetil absorption. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2006;62(4):492-495. PubMed
  26. Lorenz M., Wolzt M., Weigel G., Puttinger H., Hörl W. H., Födinger M., Speiser W., Sunder-Plassmann G. Ferrous sulfate does not affect mycophenolic acid pharmacokinetics in kidney transplant patients. Am J Kidney Dis 2004;43(6):1098-1103. PubMed
  27. Osman M. A., Patel R. B., Schuna A., Sundstrom W. R., Welling P. G. Reduction in oral penicillamine absorption by food, antacid, and ferrous sulfate. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1983;33(4):465-470. PubMed
  28. Michael, B., Coyne, D. W., Fishbane, S., Folkert, V., Lynn, R., Nissenson, A. R., Agarwal, R., Eschbach, J. W., Fadem, S. Z., Trout, J. R., Strobos, J., and Warnock, D. G. Sodium ferric gluconate complex in hemodialysis patients: adverse reactions compar
  29. Zhang, X., Ouyang, J., Wieczorek, R., and DeSoto, F. Iron medication-induced gastric mucosal injury. Pathol.Res Pract 2009;205(8):579-581. PubMed
  30. Barbieri, P. G. [To-day exposure to occupational carcinogens and their effects. The experience of the rubber industry, iron metallurgy, asphalt work and aviculture]. Epidemiol.Prev 2009;33(4-5 Suppl 2):94-105.
  31. Macedo, A. and Cardoso, S. [Routine iron supplementation in pregnancy]. Acta Med Port. 2010;23(5):785-792.
  32. Bastide, N. M., Pierre, F. H., and Corpet, D. E. Heme iron from meat and risk of colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis and a review of the mechanisms involved. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2011;4(2):177-184. PubMed
  33. Stevens, R. G. Iron and the risk of cancer. Med Oncol Tumor Pharmacother. 1990;7(2-3):177-181. PubMed
  34. van den, Hombergh J., Dalderop, E., and Smit, Y. Does iron therapy benefit children with severe malaria-associated anaemia? A clinical trial with 12 weeks supplementation of oral iron in young children from the Turiani Division, Tanzania. J.Trop.Pediatr. PubMed
  35. Liabeuf S, Gras V, Moragny J, et al. Ulceration of the oral mucosa following direct contact with ferrous sulfate in elderly patients: a case report and a review of the French National Pharmacovigilance Database. Clin Interv Aging. 2014 Apr 25;9:737-40. PubMed
  36. Qiao L, Feng Y. Intakes of heme iron and zinc and colorectal cancer incidence: a meta-analysis of prospective studies. Cancer Causes Control. 2013 Jun;24(6):1175-83. PubMed
  37. Jalloh MA, Gregory PJ, Hein D, et al. Dietary supplement interactions with antiretrovirals: a systematic review. Int J STD AIDS. 2017 Jan;28(1):4-15. PubMed
  38. Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents in HIV-1-Infected Adults and Adolescents: Drug Interactions between Integrase Inhibitors and Other Drugs. AIDSinfo. July 14, 2016. Available at: https://aidsinfo.nih.gov/guidelines/html/1/adult-and-adolescen
  39. Song I, Borland J, Arya N, Wynne B, Piscitelli S. Pharmacokinetics of dolutegravir when administered with mineral supplements in healthy adult subjects. J Clin Pharmacol. 2015;55(5):490-6. PubMed
  40. Esan MO, Boele van Hensbroek M, Nkhoma E, et al. Iron supplementation in HIV infected Malawian children with anemia: a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial. Clin Inf Dis 2013;57(11):1626-34.doi:10.1093/cid/cit528. PubMed
  41. Zlotkin S, Newton S, Aimone AM, et al. Effect of iron fortification on malaria incidence in infants and young children in Ghana: a randomized trial. JAMA 2013;310(9):938-47. PubMed
  42. Khambalia AZ, Aimone A, Nagubandi P, et al. High maternal iron status, dietary iron intake and iron supplement use in pregnancy and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: a prospective study and systematic review. Diabet Med. 2016;33(9):1211-21. PubMed
  43. Kinnunen TI, Luoto R, Helin A, Hemminki E. Supplemental iron intake and the risk of glucose intolerance in pregnancy: re-analysis of a randomised controlled trial in Finland. Matern Child Nutr. 2016;12(1):74-84.
  44. Low MS, Speedy J, Styles CE, De-Regil LM, Pasricha SR. Daily iron supplementation for improving anaemia, iron status and health in menstruating women. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;4:CD009747. PubMed
  45. Melit LE, Marginean CO, Mocanu S, Marginean MO. A rare case of iron-pill induced gastritis in a female teenager: A case report and a review of the literature. Medicine (Baltimore). 2017;96(30):e7550. PubMed
  46. Neuberger A, Okebe J, Yahav D, Paul M. Oral iron supplements for children in malaria-endemic areas. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;2:CD006589. PubMed
  47. Peña-Rosas JP, De-Regil LM, Gomez Malave H, Flores-Urrutia MC, Dowswell T. Intermittent oral iron supplementation during pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;(10):CD009997. PubMed
  48. Brabin B, Gies S, Roberts SA, et al. Excess risk of preterm birth with periconceptional iron supplementation in a malaria endemic area: analysis of secondary data on birth outcomes in a double blind randomized controlled safety trial in Burkina Faso. Mala PubMed
  49. Kaundal R, Bhatia P, Jain A, et al. Randomized controlled trial of twice-daily versus alternate-day oral iron therapy in the treatment of iron-deficiency anemia. Ann Hematol 2020;99(1):57-63. PubMed
  50. Li N, Zhao G, Wu W, et al. The efficacy and safety of vitamin C for iron supplementation in adult patients with iron deficiency anemia: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2020;3(11):e2023644.<br> PubMed
  51. Houston BL, Hurrie D, Graham J, et al. Efficacy of iron supplementation on fatigue and physical capacity in non-anaemic iron-deficient adults: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials. BMJ Open. 2018;8(4):e019240. PubMed
  52. Koch RM, Tchernodrinski S, Principe DR. Case report: Rapid onset, ischemic-type gastritis after initiating oral iron supplementation. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022;9:1010897. PubMed
  53. Milman NT. Iron supplementation in pregnant Danish women revisited: Effects on prepartum and postpartum iron deficiency, anemia, serum erythropoietin; including iron status, erythropoietin and anthropometrics in newborns. A randomized, placebo-controlled
  54. Rogozinska E, Daru J, Nicolaides M, et al. Iron preparations for women of reproductive age with iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy (FRIDA): a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Lancet Haematol 2021;8(7):e503-e512. PubMed
  55. Shah AA, Donovan K, Seeley C, et al. Risk of infection associated with administration of intravenous iron: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Netw Open 2021;4(11):e2133935. PubMed
  56. Gamad N, Saha PK, Sharma P, Suri V, Chakrabarti A, Saha L. A randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy, tolerability, and cost of oral iron preparations in iron-deficiency anemia in pregnancy. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2021;47(11):3828-3841. PubMed
  57. El-Hawy MA, Abd Al-Salam SA, Bahbah WA. Comparing oral iron bisglycinate chelate, lactoferrin, lactoferrin with iron and iron polymaltose complex in the treatment of children with iron deficiency anemia. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2021;46:367-371. PubMed
  58. Adams A, Scheckel B, Habsaoui A, et al. Intravenous iron versus oral iron versus no iron with or without erythropoiesis- stimulating agents (ESA) for cancer patients with anaemia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2 PubMed
  59. Kancherla K, Constantin H, Kanawati A, Graham E. Iron-induced Hypophosphatemic Osteomalacia-An Atypical Case of Bilateral Femoral Stress Fractures. J Am Acad Orthop Surg Glob Res Rev 2023;7(5):e22. PubMed
  60. Shi R, Marin JG, Beaulieu M. Skin staining following intravenous iron extravasation in a patient with chronic kidney disease: A case report. Can J Kidney Health Dis 2023;10:20543581231165705. PubMed
  61. Varandas C, Vieira J, Correia CJ, et al. Hypersensitivity reactions to iron products: 10-year experience in a Portuguese tertiary Centre. Eur Ann Allergy Clin Immunol 2023.
  62. Jara Vidal M, López García MC, Quílez Toboso RP. Kounis syndrome after intravenous iron administration. Med Clin (Barc) 2023. DOI
  63. Jara Vidal M, Ruiz de Assín Valverde A, Aznar Rodríguez S. Severe hypophospathemia secondary to intravenous iron. Med Clin (Barc) 2023. DOI
  64. Samões B, Silva B, Martins A, et al. Hypophosphatemic osteomalacia induced by intravenous iron therapy: a case report. Joint Bone Spine 2023;90(5):105586. PubMed
  65. Seng NW, Barco JB, Wong MH, et al. Hypophosphatemia related to intravenous iron therapy with ferric carboxymaltose: A case series. Transfus Med 2023. PubMed
  66. Fernandez-Flores A, Fernandez-Parrado M, Alzoghby-Abi Chaker J, Angulo AG. Axillary cutaneous hemosiderosis in a patient with hyperhidrosis, after intravenous iron infusion. Am J Dermatopathol 2023;45(7):463-465. PubMed
  67. Ye S, Grill V, Luo J, Nguyen HH. Concurrent Denosumab and Parenteral Iron Therapy Precipitating Severe Hypocalcemia and Hypophosphatemia. JCEM Case Rep 2024;2(2):luae005. PubMed
  68. Yerigeri K. Hemochromatosis in an Adult Female With Previous Iron Deficiency Anemia on Iron Supplementation. Cureus 2023;15(12):e50166. PubMed
  69. Meyers M, Salmon M, Libert I, Klá&scaron;terský J. A meta-analysis on the risk of infection associated with intravenous iron therapy in cancer-associated anaemia: a double-edged sword?. Curr Opin Oncol 2024;36(4):223-232. PubMed
  70. Short V, Allen R, Earley CJ, et al. A randomized double-blind pilot study to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of intravenous iron versus oral iron for the treatment of restless legs syndrome in patients with iron deficiency anemia. Am J Hem PubMed
  71. Bellos I, Frountzas M, Pergialiotis V. Comparative Risk of Hypophosphatemia Following the Administration of Intravenous Iron Formulations: A Network Meta-Analysis. Transfus Med Rev 2020;34(3):188-194. PubMed
  72. US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Biktarvy Prescribing Information. October 2024. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2024/210251Orig1s020lbl.pdf. Accessed July 16, 2025.

See these in context on the Iron monograph →

Vitamin A 31 references
  1. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
  2. Griffiths JK. The vitamin A paradox. J Pediatr 2000;137:604-7.. PubMed
  3. Hardman JG, Limbird LL, Molinoff PB, eds. Goodman and Gillman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 9th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 1996.
  4. Hansten PD, Horn JR. Drug Interactions Analysis and Management. Vancouver, WA: Applied Therapeutics Inc., 1997 and updates.
  5. FDA Talk Paper. Vitamin A and birth defects (T95-56). Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Rockville, MD. October 6, 1995.
  6. Russell RM. The vitamin A spectrum: from deficiency to toxicity. Am J Clin Nutr 2000;71:878-84. PubMed
  7. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2002.
  8. Feskanich D, Singh V, Willett WC, Colditz GA. Vitamin A intake and hip fractures among postmenopausal women. JAMA 2002;287:47-54. PubMed
  9. Melhus H, Michaelsson K, Kindmark A, et al. Excessive dietary intake of vitamin A is associated with reduced bone mineral density and increased risk for hip fracture. Ann Intern Med 1998;129:770-8. PubMed
  10. Michaelsson K, Lithell H, Vessby B, Melhus H. Serum retinol levels and the risk of fracture. N Engl J Med 2003;348:287-94.. PubMed
  11. Botterweck AA, van den Brandt PA, Goldbohm RA. Vitamins, carotenoids, dietary fiber, and the risk of gastric carcinoma: results from a prospective study after 6.3 years of follow-up. Cancer 2000;88:737-48.. DOI
  12. Meyskens FL Jr, Graham V, Chvapil M, et al. A phase I trial of beta-all-trans-retinoic acid delivered via a collagen sponge and a cervical cap for mild or moderate intraepithelial cervical neoplasia. J Natl Cancer Inst 1983;71:921-5..
  13. Hathcock JN, Hattan DG, Jenkins MY, et al. Evaluation of vitamin A toxicity. Am J Clin Nutr 1990;52:183-202.. PubMed
  14. Walters BN, Gubbay SS. Tetracycline and benign intracranial hypertension: report of five cases. Br Med J 1981;282:19-20.. PubMed
  15. Pearson MG, Littlewood SM, Bowden AN. Tetracycline and benign intracranial hypertension (letter). Br Med J 1981;282:568-9.. PubMed
  16. Azais-Braesco V, Pascal G. Vitamin A in pregnancy: requirements and safety limits. Am J Clin Nutr 2000;71:1325S-33S. PubMed
  17. Smedts HP, de Vries JH, Rakhshandehroo M, et al. High maternal vitamin E intake by diet or supplements is associated with congenital heart defects in the offspring. BJOG 2009;116:416-23. PubMed
  18. Grotto, I., Mimouni, M., Gdalevich, M., and Mimouni, D. Vitamin A supplementation and childhood morbidity from diarrhea and respiratory infections: a meta-analysis. J Pediatr 2003;142(3):297-304. PubMed
  19. Mahalanabis, D., Lahiri, M., Paul, D., Gupta, S., Gupta, A., Wahed, M. A., and Khaled, M. A. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of the efficacy of treatment with zinc or vitamin A in infants and young children with severe acute l
  20. Long, K. Z., Montoya, Y., Hertzmark, E., Santos, J. I., and Rosado, J. L. A double-blind, randomized, clinical trial of the effect of vitamin A and zinc supplementation on diarrheal disease and respiratory tract infections in children in Mexico City, Mex
  21. Fritz, H., Kennedy, D., Fergusson, D., Fernandes, R., Doucette, S., Cooley, K., Seely, A., Sagar, S., Wong, R., and Seely, D. Vitamin A and retinoid derivatives for lung cancer: a systematic review and meta analysis. PLoS.One. 2011;6(6):e21107. PubMed
  22. Mayo-Wilson, E., Imdad, A., Herzer, K., Yakoob, M. Y., and Bhutta, Z. A. Vitamin A supplements for preventing mortality, illness, and blindness in children aged under 5: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ 2011;343:d5094. PubMed
  23. Mazumder S, Taneja S, Bhatia K, Yoshida S, Kaur J, Dube B, Toteja GS, Bahl R, Fontaine O, Martines J, Bhandari N; Neovita India Study Group. Efficacy of early neonatal supplementation with vitamin A to reduce mortality in infancy in Haryana, India (Neovit
  24. Baineni R, Gulati R, Delhi CK. Vitamin A toxicity presenting as bone pain. Arch Dis Child. 2017;102(6):556-8. PubMed
  25. Darlow BA, Graham PJ, Rojas-Reyes MX. Vitamin A supplementation to prevent mortality and short- and long-term morbidity in very low birth weight infants. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;(8):CD000501. PubMed
  26. Haider BA, Sharma R, Bhutta ZA. Neonatal vitamin A supplementation for the prevention of mortality and morbidity in term neonates in low and middle income countries. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;2:CD006980. PubMed
  27. Mohammad YM, Raslan IR, Al-Hussain FA. Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Induced by Topical Application of Vitamin A. J Neuroophthalmol. 2016;36(4):412-3. PubMed
  28. Masnadi Shirazi K, Nikniaz Z, Masnadi Shirazi A, Rohani M. Vitamin A supplementation decreases disease activity index in patients with ulcerative colitis: A randomized controlled clinical trial. Complement Ther Med. 2018 Dec;41:215-219. PubMed
  29. Ding Y, Hu P, Yang Y, et al. Impact of maternal daily oral low-dose vitamin A supplementation on the mother-infant pair: a randomised placebo-controlled trial in China. Nutrients 2021;13(7):2370. PubMed
  30. Knapik JJ, Hoedebecke SS. Vitamin A and bone fractures: systematic review and meta-analysis. J Spec Oper Med 2021;21(2):100-7. PubMed
  31. Imdad A, Mayo-Wilson E, Haykal MR, et al. Vitamin A supplementation for preventing morbidity and mortality in children from six months to five years of age. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2022;3(3):CD008524. PubMed

See these in context on the Vitamin A monograph →

Vitamin B12 30 references
  1. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline (2000). Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2000. Available at: http://b
  2. Hartman TJ, Woodson K, Stolzenberg-Solomon R, et al. Association of the B-vitamins pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (B6), B12, and folate with lung cancer risk in older men. Am J Epidemiol 2001;153:688-94.. DOI
  3. Jansen T, Romiti R, Kreuter A, Altmeyer P. Rosacea fulminans triggered by high-dose vitamins B6 and B12. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2001;15:484-5..
  4. Lange H, Suryapranata H, De Luca G, et al. Folate therapy and in-stent restenosis after coronary stenting. N Engl J Med 2004;350:2673-81. PubMed
  5. Collin, S. M., Metcalfe, C., Refsum, H., Lewis, S. J., Zuccolo, L., Smith, G. D., Chen, L., Harris, R., Davis, M., Marsden, G., Johnston, C., Lane, J. A., Ebbing, M., Bonaa, K. H., Nygard, O., Ueland, P. M., Grau, M. V., Baron, J. A., Donovan, J. L., Nea
  6. Geissbuhler, P., Mermillod, B., and Rapin, C. H. Elevated serum vitamin B12 levels associated with CRP as a predictive factor of mortality in palliative care cancer patients: a prospective study over five years. J.Pain Symptom.Manage. 2000;20(2):93-103. PubMed
  7. Salles, N., Herrmann, F., Sakbani, K., Rapin, C. H., and Sieber, C. High vitamin B12 level: a strong predictor of mortality in elderly inpatients. J Am Geriatr.Soc 2005;53(5):917-918.
  8. Looker, H. C., Fagot-Campagna, A., Gunter, E. W., Pfeiffer, C. M., Sievers, M. L., Bennett, P. H., Nelson, R. G., Hanson, R. L., and Knowler, W. C. Homocysteine and vitamin B(12) concentrations and mortality rates in type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Metab Res R
  9. Uhl, W., Nolting, A., Golor, G., Rost, K. L., and Kovar, A. Safety of hydroxocobalamin in healthy volunteers in a randomized, placebo-controlled study. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2006;44 Suppl 1:17-28. PubMed
  10. Borron, S. W., Baud, F. J., Barriot, P., Imbert, M., and Bismuth, C. Prospective study of hydroxocobalamin for acute cyanide poisoning in smoke inhalation. Ann Emerg.Med 2007;49(6):794-801, 801. PubMed
  11. Borron, S. W., Baud, F. J., Megarbane, B., and Bismuth, C. Hydroxocobalamin for severe acute cyanide poisoning by ingestion or inhalation. Am J Emerg.Med 2007;25(5):551-558. PubMed
  12. Lewis, J. G. Gout, Steatorrhoea, and Megaloblastic Anaemia. Ann Rheum.Dis 1962;21(3):284-286. PubMed
  13. Tal, S., Shavit, Y., Stern, F., and Malnick, S. Association between vitamin B12 levels and mortality in hospitalized older adults. J Am Geriatr.Soc 2010;58(3):523-526. PubMed
  14. Baztan, J. J., Gavidia, J. J., Gomez-Pavon, J., Esteve, A., and Ruiperez, I. High vitamin B12 levels and in-hospital mortality. J Am Geriatr.Soc 2010;58(11):2237-2238. PubMed
  15. Omboni, E., Checchini, M., and Longoni, F. [Hypopotassemia and megaloblastic anemia. Presentation of a case]. Minerva Med 8-31-1987;78(16):1255-1257.
  16. Aalfs As, Scholvinck LH, Horvath B. Acneiform eruption in a 5-year old due to vitamin B12 supplementation. Eur J Dermatol 2013;23(5):726-7. PubMed
  17. Balta I, Ozuguz P. Vitamin B12-induced acneiform eruption. Cutan Ocul Toxicol 2014;33(2):94-5. PubMed
  18. Carman KB, Belgemen T, Yis U. Involuntary movements misdiagnosed as seizure during vitamin B12 treatment. Pediatr Emerg Care 2013;29(11):1223-4. PubMed
  19. Djuric V, Bogic M, Popadic AP, et al. Anaphylactic reaction to hydroxycobalamin with tolerance to cyanocobalamin. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2012;108(3):207-8. PubMed
  20. Kartel O, Gulec M, Demirel F, et al. Vitamin B12 allergy and successful desensitization with cyanocobalamin: A case report. Allergol Immunopath (Madr) 2012;40(5):324-5.
  21. Patiroglu T, Unal E, Yildirim S. Infantile tremor syndrome associated with cobalamin therapy: A case report. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2013;115(9):1903-5. PubMed
  22. Schulte S, Barkema LW, Kardaun SH. Long-lasting atypical acneiform eruption with prominent comedones induced by hydroxocobalamin (vitamin B12). J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2014;12(6):502-3.
  23. Zanus C, Alberini E, Costa P, et al. Involuntary movements after correction of vitamin B12 deficiency: A video-case report. Epileptic Disord 2012;14(2):174-80. PubMed
  24. Fanidi A, Carreras-Torres R, Larose TL, et al. Is high vitamin B12 status a cause of lung cancer? Int J Cancer. 2019 Sep 15;145(6):1499-1503. PubMed
  25. Fujita Y, Mizukami T, Maya Y, et al. Vitamin B12 allergy manifesting as lymphomatoid contact dermatitis. Eur J Dermatol. 2020;30(3):304-305. PubMed
  26. Dépret F, Hoffmann C, Daoud L, et al. Association between hydroxocobalamin administration and acute kidney injury after smoke inhalation: a multicenter retrospective study. Crit Care. 2019;23(1):421. PubMed
  27. Khairan P, Sobue T, Eshak ES, et al. Association of dietary intakes of vitamin B12, vitamin B6, folate, and methionine with the risk of esophageal cancer: the Japan Public Health Center-based (JPHC) prospective study. BMC Cancer 2021;21(1):982. PubMed
  28. Evans J, Pandya A, Ding Y, Qunibi WY. Hydroxocobalamin-Induced Oxalate Nephropathy in a Patient With Smoke Inhalation. Kidney Int Rep 2021;6(8):2228-2231. PubMed
  29. Lacombe V, Chabrun F, Lacout C, et al. Persistent elevation of plasma vitamin B12 is strongly associated with solid cancer. Sci Rep 2021;11(1):13361. PubMed
  30. Pegalajar-García MD, Cebolla-Verdugo M, Prados-Carmona Á, Llamas-Segura C, Navarro-Triviño FJ. Systemic allergic dermatitis to cobalt present in cyanocobalamin supplementation. Contact Dermatitis 2023;89(3):203-205. PubMed

See these in context on the Vitamin B12 monograph →

Vitamin K 11 references
  1. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
  2. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2002.
  3. Crowther MA, Ageno W, Garcia D, et al. Oral vitamin K versus placebo to correct excessive anticoagulation in patients receiving warfarin: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med. 2009;150(5):293-300. PubMed
  4. Dietary vitamin K guidance: an effective strategy for stable control of oral anticoagulation? Nutr Rev. 2010;68(3):178-81. PubMed
  5. Kim JS, Nafziger AN, Gaedigk A, et al. Effects of oral vitamin K on S- and R-warfarin pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics: enhanced safety of warfarin as a CYP2C9 probe. J Clin Pharmacol. 2001 Jul;41(7):715-22. PubMed
  6. Riegert-Johnson, D. L. and Volcheck, G. W. The incidence of anaphylaxis following intravenous phytonadione (vitamin K1): a 5-year retrospective review. Ann.Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2002;89(4):400-406. PubMed
  7. Dezee, K. J., Shimeall, W. T., Douglas, K. M., Shumway, N. M., and O'malley, P. G. Treatment of excessive anticoagulation with phytonadione (vitamin K): a meta-analysis. Arch.Intern.Med. 2-27-2006;166(4):391-397. DOI
  8. Dentali, F., Ageno, W., and Crowther, M. Treatment of coumarin-associated coagulopathy: a systematic review and proposed treatment algorithms. J.Thromb.Haemost. 2006;4(9):1853-1863. PubMed
  9. Caluwé R, Vandecasteele S, Van Vlem B, Vermeer C, De Vriese AS. Vitamin K2 supplementation in haemodialysis patients: a randomized dose-finding study. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2014;29(7):1385-90.
  10. Huang ZB, Wan SL, Lu YJ, Ning L, Liu C, Fan SW. Does vitamin K2 play a role in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis for postmenopausal women: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Osteoporos Int. 2015;26(3):1175-86. PubMed
  11. Hunnali CR, Devi U, Kitchanan S, Sethuraman G. Three Different Regimens for Vitamin K Birth Prophylaxis in Infants Born Preterm: A Randomized Clinical Trial. J Pediatr 2023;255:98-104. PubMed

See these in context on the Vitamin K monograph →

Calcium 62 references
  1. Shils M, Olson A, Shike M. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lea and Febiger, 1994.
  2. Hernandez-Avila M, Gonzalez-Cossio T, Hernandez-Avila JE, et al. Dietary calcium supplements to lower blood lead levels in lactating women: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Epidemiology 2003;14:206-12.. PubMed
  3. Thys-Jacobs S, Ceccarelli S, Bierman A, et al. Calcium supplementation in premenstrual syndrome: a randomized crossover trial. J Gen Intern Med 1989;4:183-9. PubMed
  4. Maton PN, Burton ME. Antacids revisited: a review of their clinical pharmacology and recommended therapeutic use. Drugs 1999;57:855-70.
  5. Clemens JD, Feinstein AR. Calcium carbonate and constipation: a historical review of medical mythopoeia. Gastroenterology 1977;72:957-61. DOI
  6. Saunders D, Sillery J, Chapman R. Effect of calcium carbonate and aluminum hydroxide on human intestinal function. Dig Dis Sci 1988;33:409-13. PubMed
  7. Friedman PA, Bushinsky DA. Diuretic effects on calcium metabolism. Semin Nephrol 1999;19:551-6.
  8. Koo WK, Walters JC, Esterlitz J, et al. Maternal calcium supplementation and fetal bone mineralization. Obstet Gynecol 1999;94:577-82. DOI
  9. Raman L, Rajalakshmi K, Krishnamachari KAVR, et al. Effect of calcium supplementation to undernourished mothers during pregnancy on the bone density of the neonates. Am J Clin Nutr 1978; 31:466-9. DOI
  10. Murry JJ, Healy MD. Drug-mineral interactions: a new responsibility for the hospital dietician. J Am Diet Assoc 1991;91:66-73.
  11. Chan JM, Giovannucci E, Andersson SO, et al. Dairy products, calcium, phosphorous, vitamin D, and risk of prostate cancer. Cancer Causes Control 1998;9:559-66.
  12. Butner LE, Fulco PP, Feldman G, et al. Calcium carbonate-induced hypothyroidism. Ann Intern Med 2000:132:595. PubMed
  13. Schneyer CR. Calcium carbonate and reduction of levothyroxine efficacy. JAMA 1998;279:750. PubMed
  14. Moser LR, Smythe MA, Tisdale JE. The use of calcium salts in the prevention and management of verapamil-induced hypotension. Ann Pharmacother 2000;34:622-9. PubMed
  15. Singh N, Singh PN, Hershman JM. Effect of calcium carbonate on the absorption of levothyroxine. JAMA 2000;283:2822-5. PubMed
  16. Kahela P, Anttila M, Tikkanen R, Sundquist H. Effect of food, food constituents and fluid volume on the bioavailability of sotalol. Acta Pharmacol Toxicol (Copenh) 1979;44:7-12.. PubMed
  17. Pletz MW, Petzold P, Allen A, et al. Effect of calcium carbonate on bioavailability of orally administered gemifloxacin. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2003;47:2158-60.. PubMed
  18. Bar-Or D, Yoel G. Calcium and calciferol antagonize effect of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Br Med J 1981;282:1585-6.
  19. Decktor DL, Robinson M, Maton PN, et al. Effects of aluminum/magnesium hydroxide and calcium carbonate on esophageal and gastric pH in subjects with heartburn. Am J Ther 1995;2:546-52. PubMed
  20. Simoneau G. Absence of rebound effect with calcium carbonate. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 1996;21:351-7. PubMed
  21. Peters ML, Leonard M, Licata AA. Role of alendronate and risedronate in preventing and treating osteoporosis. Cleve Clin J Med 2001;68:945-51. PubMed
  22. Bourke JF, Mumford R, Whittaker P, et al. The effects of topical calcipotriol on systemic calcium homeostasis in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis. J Am Acad Dermatol 1997;37:929-34.
  23. Gueguen L, Pointillart A. The bioavailability of dietary calcium. J Am Coll Nutr 2000;19:119s-136s. PubMed
  24. Vella A, Gerber TC, Hayes DL, Reeder GS. Digoxin, hypercalcaemia, and cardiac conduction. Postgrad Med J 1999;75:554-6. PubMed
  25. Bania TC, Blaufeux B, Hughes S, et al. Calcium and digoxin vs. calcium alone for severe verapamil toxicity. Acad Emerg Med 2000;7:1089-96. PubMed
  26. Tseng M, Breslow RA, Graubard BI, Ziegler RG. Dairy, calcium, and vitamin D intakes and prostate cancer risk in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Epidemiologic Follow-up Study cohort. Am J Clin Nutr 2005;81:1147-54. PubMed
  27. Weingarten MA, Zalmanovici A, Yaphe J. Dietary calcium supplementation for preventing colorectal cancer and adenomatous polyps. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2004;(1):CD003548. PubMed
  28. Tavani A, Bertuccio P, Bosetti C, et al. Dietary intake of calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus and the risk of prostate cancer. Eur Urol 2005;48:27-33. PubMed
  29. Giovannucci E, Liu Y, Stampfer MJ, Willett WC. A prospective study of calcium intake and incident and fatal prostate cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15:203-10. PubMed
  30. Rocephin (ceftriaxone) and calcium interaction. Pharmacist's Letter / Prescriber's Letter 2007;23(10):231005.
  31. Bolland MJ, Barber PA, Doughty RN, et al. Vascular events in healthy older women receiving calcium supplementation: randomised control trial. BMJ 2008;336:262-6.
  32. Bolland MJ, Avenell A, Baron JA, et al. Effect of calcium supplements on risk of myocardial infarction and cardiovascular events: meta-analysis. BMJ 2010;341:c3691. PubMed
  33. Calcium supplementation and vascular events. Pharmacist's Letter / Prescriber's Letter 2008;24(3):240306.
  34. Dietary reference intakes for calcium and vitamin D. Institute of Medicine, November 30, 2010. Available at: http://www.iom.edu/~/media/Files/Report%20Files/2010/Dietary-Reference-Intakes-for-Calcium-and-Vitamin-D/Vitamin%20D%20and%20Calcium%202010%20Repo
  35. Coburn JW, Mischel MG, Goodman WG, et al. Calcium citrate markedly enhances aluminum absorption from aluminum hydroxide. Am J Kidney Dis. 1991;17(6):708-11. PubMed
  36. Bradley JS, Wassel RT, Lee L, et al. Intravenous ceftriaxone and calcium in the neonate: assessing the risk for cardiopulmonary adverse events. Pediatrics. 2009;123(4):e609-13. PubMed
  37. Kays MB, Overholser BR, Mueller BA, et al. Effects of sevelamer hydrochloride and calcium acetate on the oral bioavailability of ciprofloxacin. Am J Kidney Dis. 2003;42(6):1253-9. PubMed
  38. Neuhofel, A. L., Wilton, J. H., Victory, J. M., Hejmanowsk, L. G., and Amsden, G. W. Lack of bioequivalence of ciprofloxacin when administered with calcium-fortified orange juice: a new twist on an old interaction. J Clin Pharmacol. 2002;42(4):461-466. DOI
  39. Dickinson, H. O., Nicolson, D. J., Cook, J. V., Campbell, F., Beyer, F. R., Ford, G. A., and Mason, J. Calcium supplementation for the management of primary hypertension in adults. Cochrane.Database.Syst.Rev. 2006;(2):CD004639. PubMed
  40. Jones, B. J. and Twomey, P. J. Requesting patterns for serum calcium concentration in patients on long-term lithium therapy. Int J Clin Pract. 2009;63(1):170-172. PubMed
  41. Levine, M., Nikkanen, H., and Pallin, D. J. The effects of intravenous calcium in patients with digoxin toxicity. J Emerg.Med. 2011;40(1):41-46. PubMed
  42. Castelo-Branco, C., Ciria-Recasens, M., Cancelo-Hidalgo, M. J., Palacios, S., Haya-Palazuelos, J., Carbonell-Abello, J., Blanch-Rubio, J., Martinez-Zapata, M. J., Manasanch, J., and Perez-Edo, L. Efficacy of ossein-hydroxyapatite complex compared with ca
  43. Li K, Kaaks R, Linseisen J, Rohrmann S. Associations of dietary calcium intake and calcium supplementation with myocardial infarction and stroke risk and overall cardiovascular mortality in the Heidelberg cohort of the European Prospective Investigation i
  44. Chung M, Tang AM, Fu Z. Calcium Intake and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Ann Intern Med. 2016 Oct 25. PubMed
  45. Nolan CR, Califano JR, Butzin CA. Influence of calcium acetate or calcium citrate on intestinal aluminum absorption. Kidney Int. 1990;38(5):937-41. PubMed
  46. Lewis JR, Radavelli-Bagatini S, Rejnmark L, et al. The effects of calcium supplementation on verified coronary heart disease hospitalization and death in postmenopausal women: a collaborative meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Bone Miner Res PubMed
  47. Jalloh MA, Gregory PJ, Hein D, et al. Dietary supplement interactions with antiretrovirals: a systematic review. Int J STD AIDS. 2017 Jan;28(1):4-15. PubMed
  48. Lappe J, Watson P, Travers-Gustafson D, Recker R, Garland C, Gorham E, Baggerly K, McDonnell SL. Effect of Vitamin D and Calcium Supplementation on Cancer Incidence in Older Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2017 Mar 28;317(12):1234-1243. PubMed
  49. Grove ML, Cook D. Calcium and heart attacks. Doesn't apply to most calcium prescriptions. BMJ. 2010;341:c5003. PubMed
  50. Insentress [package insert]. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.; 2014.
  51. Roberts JL, Kiser JJ, Hindman JT, Meditz AL. Virologic failure with a raltegravir-containing antiretroviral regimen and concomitant calcium administration. Pharmacotherapy 2011;31(10):298e-302e. DOI
  52. Vitekta [package insert]. Foster City, CA: Gilead Sciences, Inc.; 2014.
  53. Storan ER, O'Gorman SM, Murphy A, Laing M. Case Report of Calciphylaxis Secondary to Calcium and Vitamin D<sub>3</sub> Supplementation. J Cutan Med Surg. 2017;21(2):162-163. DOI
  54. Jenkins DJA, Spence JD, Giovannucci EL, et al. Supplemental vitamins and minerals for CVD prevention and treatment. J Am Coll Cardiol 2018;71(22):2570-84. PubMed
  55. Borkenhagen JF, Connor EL, Stafstrom CE. Neonatal hypocalcemic seizures due to excessive maternal calcium ingestion. Pediatr Neurol 2013;48(6):469-71. PubMed
  56. WHO recommendations on antenatal care for a positive pregnancy experience. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2016 (http://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/publications/maternal_perinatal_health/ anc-positive-pregnancy-experience/en/).
  57. Aune D, Navarro Rosenblatt DA, Chan DS, et al. Dairy products, calcium, and prostate cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. Am J Clin Nutr. 2015;101(1):87-117. PubMed
  58. Lan T, Park Y, Colditz GA, et al. Adolescent dairy product and calcium intake in relation to later prostate cancer risk and mortality in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study. Cancer Causes Control. 2020;31(10):891-904. PubMed
  59. Zhang Y, Li Y, Liu J, et al. Association of Vitamin D or Calcium Supplementation with Cardiovascular Outcomes and Mortality: A Meta-Analysis with Trial Sequential Analysis. J Nutr Health Aging 2021;25(2):263-270. PubMed
  60. Myung SK, Kim HB, Lee YJ, Choi YJ, Oh SW. Calcium Supplements and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials. Nutrients 2021;13(2):368. PubMed
  61. Hetaimish B. Neonatal Calcinosis Cutis After Treatment of Hypocalcemia with Calcium Gluconate: A Report of 2 Cases. Am J Case Rep 2024;25:e943397. PubMed
  62. US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Biktarvy Prescribing Information. October 2024. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2024/210251Orig1s020lbl.pdf. Accessed July 16, 2025.

See these in context on the Calcium monograph →

Selenium 36 references
  1. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Carotenoids. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2000. Available at: http://www.nap.edu/books/0309069351/html/.
  2. Brown BG, Zhao XQ, Chait A, et al. Simvastatin and niacin, antioxidant vitamins, or the combination for the prevention of coronary disease. N Engl J Med 2001;345:1583-93. DOI
  3. Trafikowska U, Zachara BA, Wiacek M, et al. Selenium supply and glutathione peroxidase activity in breastfed Polish infants. Acta Paediatr 1996;85:1143-5. PubMed
  4. Duffield-Lillico AJ, Slate EH, Reid ME, et al. Selenium supplementation and secondary prevention of nonmelanoma skin cancer in a randomized trial. J Natl Cancer Inst 2003;95:1477-81.. PubMed
  5. Cheung MC, Zhao XQ, Chait A, et al. Antioxidant supplements block the response of HDL to simvastatin-niacin therapy in patients with coronary artery disease and low HDL. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2001;21:1320-6. PubMed
  6. Schiavon R, Freeman GE, Guidi GC, et al. Selenium enhances prostacyclin production by cultured endothelial cells: possible explanation for increased bleeding times in volunteers taking selenium as a dietary supplement. Thromb Res 1984;34:389-96. PubMed
  7. Davila JC, Edds GT, Osuna O, Simpson CF. Modification of the effects of aflatoxin B1 and warfarin in young pigs given selenium. Am J Vet Res 1983;44:1877-83. DOI
  8. Heese HD, Lawrence MA, Dempster WS, Pocock F. Reference concentrations of serum selenium and manganese in healthy nulliparas. S Afr Med J 1988;73:163-5.
  9. Lloyd B, Lloyd RS, Clayton BE. Effect of smoking, alcohol and other factors on the selenium status of a healthy population. J Epidemiol Commun Health 1983;37:213-7. PubMed
  10. Capel ID, Jenner M, Williams DC, et al. The effect of prolonged oral contraceptive steroid use on erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity. J Steroid Biochem 1981;14:729-32. PubMed
  11. Contempre B, Dumont JE, Ngo B, et al. Effect of selenium supplementation in hypothyroid subjects of an iodine and selenium deficient area: the possible danger of indiscriminate supplementation of iodine-deficient subjects with selenium. J Clin Endocrinol PubMed
  12. Hofbauer LC, Spitzweg C, Magerstadt RA, Heufelder AE. Selenium-induced thyroid dysfunction. Postgrad Med J 1997;73:103-4. PubMed
  13. Debski B, Milner JA. Dietary selenium supplementation prolongs pentobarbital induced hypnosis. J Nutr Biochem 2004;15:548-53. PubMed
  14. Ishikawa M, Sasaki M, Koiwai K, et al. Inhibition of hepatic mixed-function oxidase enzymes in mice by acute and chronic treatment with selenium. J Pharmacobiodyn 1992;15:377-85. PubMed
  15. Lippmann SM, Klein EA, Goodman PJ, et al. Effect of selenium and vitamin E on risk of prostate cancer and other cancers: the selenium and vitamin E cancer prevention trial (SELECT). JAMA 2009;301:39-51. DOI
  16. Reid SM, Middleton P, Cossich MC, Crowther CA. Interventions for clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism in pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2010;(7):CD007752. PubMed
  17. Vinceti, M., Wei, E. T., Malagoli, C., Bergomi, M., and Vivoli, G. Adverse health effects of selenium in humans. Rev.Environ.Health 2001;16(4):233-251. PubMed
  18. Abrams, C. K., Siram, S. M., Galsim, C., Johnson-Hamilton, H., Munford, F. L., and Mezghebe, H. Selenium deficiency in long-term total parenteral nutrition. Nutr Clin Pract 1992;7(4):175-178. PubMed
  19. Spiller, H. A. and Pfiefer, E. Two fatal cases of selenium toxicity. Forensic Sci Int 8-24-2007;171(1):67-72. PubMed
  20. Negro, R., Greco, G., Mangieri, T., Pezzarossa, A., Dazzi, D., and Hassan, H. The influence of selenium supplementation on postpartum thyroid status in pregnant women with thyroid peroxidase autoantibodies. J Clin Endocrinol.Metab 2007;92(4):1263-1268. PubMed
  21. Alexander, J. Selenium. Novartis.Found.Symp 2007;282:143-149.
  22. Salonen, J. T., Salonen, R., Seppanen, K., Rinta-Kiikka, S., Kuukka, M., Korpela, H., Alfthan, G., Kantola, M., and Schalch, W. Effects of antioxidant supplementation on platelet function: a randomized pair-matched, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial
  23. Kupka, R., Mugusi, F., Aboud, S., Msamanga, G. I., Finkelstein, J. L., Spiegelman, D., and Fawzi, W. W. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of selenium supplements among HIV-infected pregnant women in Tanzania: effects on maternal and chil
  24. Kamble, P., Mohsin, N., Jha, A., Date, A., Upadhaya, A., Mohammad, E., Khalil, M., Pakkyara, A., and Budruddin, M. Selenium intoxication with selenite broth resulting in acute renal failure and severe gastritis. Saudi.J Kidney Dis.Transpl. 2009;20(1):106
  25. Peretz, A., Neve, J., Desmedt, J., Duchateau, J., Dramaix, M., and Famaey, J. P. Lymphocyte response is enhanced by supplementation of elderly subjects with selenium-enriched yeast. Am.J Clin.Nutr. 1991;53(5):1323-1328. PubMed
  26. Kumpulainen, J., Salmenpera, L., Siimes, M. A., Koivistoinen, P., and Perheentupa, J. Selenium status of exclusively breast-fed infants as influenced by maternal organic or inorganic selenium supplementation. Am.J Clin.Nutr. 1985;42(5):829-835. PubMed
  27. Han, L. and Zhou, S. M. Selenium supplement in the prevention of pregnancy induced hypertension. Chin Med J (Engl) 1994;107(11):870-871.
  28. Kiremidjian-Schumacher, L., Roy, M., Wishe, H. I., Cohen, M. W., and Stotzky, G. Supplementation with selenium and human immune cell functions. II. Effect on cytotoxic lymphocytes and natural killer cells. Biol.Trace Elem.Res. 1994;41(1-2):115-127. PubMed
  29. Srivastava, A. K., Gupta, B. N., Bihari, V., and Gaur, J. S. Generalized hair loss and selenium exposure. Vet.Hum.Toxicol. 1995;37(5):468-469.
  30. Sudfeld CR, Aboud S, Kupka R, et al. Effect of selenium supplementation on HIV-1 RNA detection in breast milk of Tanzanian women. Nutrition 2014;30(9):1081-4. PubMed
  31. Rees K, Hartley L, Day C, et al. Selenium supplementation for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2013;1:CD009671. PubMed
  32. Thompson PA, Ashbeck EL, Roe DJ, et al. Selenium Supplementation for Prevention of Colorectal Adenomas and Risk of Associated Type 2 Diabetes. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2016;108(12). PubMed
  33. Wichman J, Winther KH, Bonnema SJ, Hegedüs L. Selenium supplementation significantly reduces thyroid autoantibody levels in patients with chronic autoimmune thyroiditis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Thyroid 2016;26(12):1681-92. PubMed
  34. Vinceti M, Filippini T, Rothman KJ. Selenium exposure and the risk of type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Epidemiol. 2018 Sep;33(9):789-810. Epub 2018 Jul 5. Review. PubMed
  35. Fallah S, Sani FV, Firoozrai M. Effect of contraceptive pill on the selenium and zinc status of healthy subjects. Contraception. 2009;80(1):40-3. PubMed
  36. Malpas CB, Vivash L, Genc S, et al. A Phase IIa Randomized Control Trial of VEL015 (Sodium Selenate) in Mild-Moderate Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis. 2016;54(1):223-232. PubMed

See these in context on the Selenium monograph →

Blue-green Algae 22 references
  1. Jensen GS, Ginsberg DJ, Huerta P, et al. Consumption of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae has rapid effects on the circulation and function of immune cells in humans. A novel approach to nutritional mobilization of the immune system. JANA 2000;2:50-6.
  2. Iwasa M, Yamamoto M, Tanaka Y, et al. Spirulina-associated hepatotoxicity. Am J Gastroenterol 2002;97:3212-13. PubMed
  3. Hayashi O, Katoh T, Okuwaki Y. Enhancement of antibody production in mice by dietary Spirulina platensis. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) 1994;40:431-41.. PubMed
  4. Vitale S, Miller NR, Mejico LJ, et al. A randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial of super blue-green algae in patients with essential blepharospasm or Meige syndrome. Am J Ophthalmol 2004;138:18-32. PubMed
  5. Mani UV, Desai S, Iyer U. Studies on the long-term effect of spirulina supplementation on serum lipid profile and glycated proteins in NIDDM patients. J Nutraceut 2000;2(3):25-32. DOI
  6. Chiu HF, Yang SP, Kuo YL, et al. Mechanisms involved in the antiplatelet effect of C-phycocyanin. Br J Nutr 2006;95:435-40. PubMed
  7. Hsiao G, Chou PH, Shen MY, et al. C-phycocyanin, a very potent and novel platelet aggregation inhibitor from Spirulina platensis. J Agric Food Chem 2005;53:7734-40.
  8. Katz M, Levine AA, Kol-Degani H, Kav-Venaki L. A compound herbal preparation (CHP) in the treatment of children with ADHD: a randomized controlled trial. J Atten Disord 2010;14:281-91. PubMed
  9. Madhyastha, H. K., Radha, K. S., Sugiki, M., Omura, S., and Maruyama, M. Purification of c-phycocyanin from Spirulina fusiformis and its effect on the induction of urokinase-type plasminogen activator from calf pulmonary endothelial cells. Phytomedicine PubMed
  10. Mazokopakis, E. E., Karefilakis, C. M., Tsartsalis, A. N., Milkas, A. N., and Ganotakis, E. S. Acute rhabdomyolysis caused by Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis). Phytomedicine. 2008;15(6-7):525-527. PubMed
  11. Halidou, Doudou M., Degbey, H., Daouda, H., Leveque, A., Donnen, P., Hennart, P., and Dramaix-Wilmet, M. [The effect of spiruline during nutritional rehabilitation: systematic review]. Rev.Epidemiol.Sante Publique 2008;56(6):425-431.
  12. Konno, T., Umeda, Y., Umeda, M., Kawachi, I., Oyake, M., and Fujita, N. [A case of inflammatory myopathy with widely skin rash following use of supplements containing Spirulina]. Rinsho Shinkeigaku 2011;51(5):330-333. PubMed
  13. Le TM, Knulst AC, Röckmann H. Anaphylaxis to Spirulina confirmed by skin prick test with ingredients of Spirulina tablets. Food Chem Toxicol 2014;74:309-10. PubMed
  14. Rzymski P, Niedzielski P, Kaczmarek N, Jurczak T, Klimaszyk P. The multidisciplinary approach to safety and toxicity assessment of microalgae-based food supplements following clinical cases of poisoning. Harmful Algae 2015;46:34-42. DOI
  15. Petrus M, Culerrier R, Campistron M, et al. First case report of anaphylaxis to spirulin: identification of phycocyanin as responsible allergen. Allergy 2010;65(7):924-5. PubMed
  16. Marles RJ, Barrett ML, Barnes J, et al. United States Pharmacopeia safety evaluation of spirulina. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2011;51(7):593-604. PubMed
  17. Majdoub H, Ben Mansour M, Chaubet F, et al. Anticoagulant activity of a sulfated polysaccharide from the green alga Arthrospira platensis. Biochim Biophys Acta 2009;1790(10):1377-81. PubMed
  18. Cha BG, Kwak HW, Park AR, et al. Structural characteristics and biological performance of silk fibroin nanofiber containing microalgae spirulina extract. Biopolymers 2014;101(4):307-18. PubMed
  19. Jensen GS, Drapeau C, Lenninger M, Benson KF. Clinical safety of a high dose of phycocyanin-enriched aqueous extract from Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis: results from a randomized, double-Blind, placebo-controlled study with a focus on anticoagulant ac
  20. Hamedifard Z, Milajerdi A, Reiner Z, Taghizadeh M, Kolahdooz F, Asemi Z. The effects of spirulina on glycemic control and serum lipoproteins in patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized con
  21. Moradi S, Zobeiri M, Feizi A, Clark CCT, Entezari MH. The effects of spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) supplementation on anthropometric indices, blood pressure, sleep quality, mental health, fatigue status and quality of life in patients with ulcerative
  22. Ghanbari F, Amerizadeh A, Behshood P, Moradi S, Asgary S. Effect of microalgae arthrospira on biomarkers of glycemic control and glucose metabolism: a systematic Review and meta-analysis. Curr Probl Cardiol 2022;47(10):100942. PubMed

See these in context on the Blue-green Algae monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Keep exploring